Book [3] of the Melbourne Trilogy Series.

Dedication: For Justine.

Epigraph: The present day woman who has social ambitions does not come forward because she is unhappy or disillusioned about her doll's house, or anxious to find a husband, or get rid of one. Her ambition is to influence affairs of state, to assist in working out the problems of civilisation,(and) is based on consciousness of stored-up capabilities, and perhaps a vanity, quite pardonable, to display them. Table Talk, 30.6.1899

Australia advancing with rapid wing'd stride, Shall plant among nations her banners in pride; The yoke of dependence aside she will cast, And build on the ruins and wrecks of the Past. Her flag in the tempest will wave to proclaim, 'Mong kingdoms and empires her national name, And Ages shall see it, asleep or unfurl'd The shelter of Freedom and boast of the world. Henry Kendall. 'The Far Future.'